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State TV reported ten had been killed overnight on Sunday. The death toll then rose on Monday when the deputy governor of Iran’s western Hamadan province told reporters another three had been killed in the city of Tuyserkan.

Besides the thirteen killed on Sunday, two protesters are thought to have died following earlier clashes.

Reports also suggest a police officer has been shot dead.

Footage on state channels showed a ransacked bank, broken windows, overturned cars and a fire engine that had been set ablaze.

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Iranian state television initially reported 10 people were been killed overnight

State TV reported: “Some armed protesters tried to take over some police stations and military bases but faced serious resistance from security forces.”

On Monday night, police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse protesters in central Tehran.

Up to 400 people have been arrested as police cracked down on protesters, including 200 in capital city Tehran.

Protests have continued despite an intervention from President Hassan Rouhani, who acknowledged the dissidents’ grievances but defended his record.

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President Rouhani warned protesters against violence

Citizens are 'completely free to express their criticism of the government or stage protests in a way that will lead to the improvement of the country’s conditions'.

President Hassan Rouhani

He said citizens are "completely free to express their criticism of the government or stage protests in a way that will lead to the improvement of the country’s conditions", while warning protesters against committing violent acts.

As protests continue, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps has warned anti-government demonstrators they will face an “iron fist” if the unrest is not halted.

While president Rouhani said the government would show "no tolerance for those who damage public properties, violate public order and create unrest in society”.

The authorities have suspended social media they believe are being used to organise protests, including Telegram and Instagram.

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Protesters run from tear gas in Tehran

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Protesters run from tear gas in Tehran

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Protesters clash with police in Tehran

The demonstrations are the biggest show of dissent in Iran since the mass protests of the Green Movement were brutally suppressed in 2009.

Then, at least 30 people were killed and thousands arrested during a wave of protests against the disputed reelection of president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Today, demonstrators say they are angry about corruption and economic hardship.

Frustrations have grown as the country is deeply involved in proxy wars in Syria, Iraq and Yemen in a battle for soft power with rival Saudi Arabia.

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Defiant protesters have blasted inequality and corruption in Iran

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Defiant protesters have blasted inequality and corruption in Iran

Foreign interventions have sparked fury in the country as citizens want their leader to focus on domestic issues rather than squaring up to the Saudis.

Although Iran is a major oil producer and a key centre of power in the Middle East, youth unemployment reached 28.8 percent last year.

US President Donald Trump has backed the protests amid a furious war of words with president Rouhani, declaring it is “time for change” in Iran.

While British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said on Monday: ”There should be meaningful debate about the legitimate and important issues the protesters are raising and we look to the Iranian authorities to permit this.

"We regret the loss of life that has occurred in the protests in Iran, and call on all concerned to refrain from violence and for international obligations on human rights to be observed.”